 Cypress oil comes from Cupressus sempervirens, a deciduous, evergreen tree that can be identified by its dark green foliage, small flowers, and round brown-gray cones with seed nuts inside. The wood is hard and durable, red-yellow in color. It's native to Southern Europe, but has spread to North Africa and North America. It's also widely cultivated in Spain, France, and Morocco. This is also known as Mediterranean Cypress. Its bark yields the essential oil. This tree was known to the people in ancient times as the tree which lives forever. Recently, this tree has sparked research for its ability to resist forest fires.
This tree is softwood that's ideal for making vases and other novelty items. Cypress is good due to its astringent properties. The oil can be used as massage oil, patches, compress, lotion, poultices and shampoo baths and for inhalations. Cypress trees thrive well in wetlands. The tree is a perennial tree, conical-shaped, about 28m high and originated from the East, now mostly found in gardens and cemeteries in the Mediterranean region. Extraction of Cypress Oil The oil is colourless to very pale yellow in colour and watery in viscosity. Cypress oil is extracted from the needles and twigs of young branches by steam distillation and yields 1.3 - 1.5 %. Sometimes, the fruits of the plant are used to make this essential oil. Cypress oil has a woody, slightly spicy and refreshing masculine smell. Origin of Cypress Oil During the early times, Phoenicians and Cretans used it to build houses and ships, while the Egyptians used it to make sarcophagi for burying their deceased. The Greeks also used cypress wood to carve statues of their gods. The botanical name of this plant comes from the Greek word that means "ever living". Cypress trees are often cited in art and literature, and are believed to be an emblem of death. Legend also has it that the cross where Jesus was crucified was made from cypress. This is still a well-known symbolism in many countries, such as in Egypt, where they use the wood to create coffins. In the United States and France, cypress trees are often planted in graveyards. The Chinese also revere cypress and associate it with contemplation, as its roots take the form of a seated man when they grow. In Tibetan culture, it is used to make incense. Today, cypress trees are not only valued for lumber, but are also used to produce cypress oil. Although the Cypress tree is often linked with death and is commonly found in and around cemeteries, the oil obtained from this tree can save people from some truly devastating conditions and illnesses. This greenish or yellowish oil has a fresh, herbaceous, and slightly evergreen and woody scent, which is said to be calming and invigorating. Properties of Cypress Oil The health benefits of Cypress Oil can be attributed to its properties as an astringent, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antioxidant, antispasmodic, anti-edema, decongestant, deodorant, diuretic, haemostatic, hepatic, styptic, sudorific, vasoconstricting, circulant, analgesic , mucolytic ,anti-lice, antiviral, antibacterial, nootropic, emenagogue, respiratory tonic and sedative substance. Benefits of Cypress Oil Cypress oil’s health benefits are far-reaching, and it has demonstrated properties that are beneficial for your circulatory and respiratory systems. For instance, it can help reduce cellulite and varicose veins, and tighten and reduce pores. Uses of Cypress Oil Today, cypress oil is used for industrial and medicinal practices. Perfume and soap industries often use cypress oil, as its fresh evergreen aroma, with a slightly sweet and balsamic undertone, adds a masculine note to men's cologne and aftershaves. Other Benefits As much as it stimulates perspiration, it also curbs excessive sweating, and reduces heavy menstruation and heavy bleeding. It is anti-rheumatic and anti-arthritic, so it can also be used in the treatment of varicose veins, cellulite, asthma, bronchitis, and diarrhoea. Cypress essential oil is also helpful in concussions, local swelling, prostatitis, pleurisy, arthritis and strokes. Precautions The oil is considered non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing but it is best to avoid it during pregnancy. It is also best to do a skin patch test before using it in a massage blend. Blending Cypress Oil forms great blends with essential oils of all citrus fruits such as Lemon and Orange as well as with Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Juniper, Lavender, Marjoram, Pine and Rosemary and Sandalwood oils. |
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